Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell faced more injury news before the team’s 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Matt Shaw and Ethan Roberts joined the growing list of injured players, complicating an already challenging 2026 season for the Cubs. Initially promising, the season took a turn, but the team managed to regain momentum as the summer heat wave hit, with temperatures remaining high all week.
To navigate these challenges, Counsell must strategically utilize the pitching staff. With the lineup in constant flux, the focus is on keeping balls within the park during windy conditions, and veterans like Alex Bregman could leverage these conditions to improve their performance. Despite a respectable 46-38 record, the Cubs’ success contrasts with the serendipitous hitting and frequent pitching setbacks. On the brink of the All-Star break, expectations are that their place in the league might not secure a post-season run unless these issues resolve.
Counsell, addressing comparisons to previous seasons, downplayed the idea of one season being the most challenging, acknowledging that significant hurdles are common in Major League Baseball. “There are challenges in a major-league season. We’ve had a high number of pitching injuries, yes. If it wasn’t that, it would be something else. That’s how baseball seasons work,” he expounded.
The preseason outlook was optimistic, with players like Cade Horton healthy and Bregman set to be a pivotal player. Despite early success and a 27-12 start, the Cubs were not considered World Series favorites. Injuries and Bregman’s early struggles contributed to inconsistent performance thereafter.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s slump ended following a public incident with a White Sox fan. Since then, he has emerged as one of the top hitters. Crow-Armstrong maintains that player support was key during tough times, emphasizing, “I have everyone behind me, that’s all that I need.” He believes in being realistic rather than harsh on himself.
Counsell supported his players’ intense self-assessment, explaining, “Players are always harder on themselves than the fans are, and I don’t mind a show of emotion.” Crow-Armstrong’s recent improvements show how crucial a supportive team environment is for rebounding from slumps.
Bregman, showing minimal outward frustration at his season’s challenging start, highlighted his need to “hit the ball hard in the air” and refocus on favorable pitches. Despite struggles, his professional approach persists. Commenting on a subdued run to first that cost an out, Bregman cited prior injuries as justification, adding, “Obviously, I wish I had beat the throw.” He reassured that frustration over hitting was not to blame.
For the Cubs to maintain a competitive edge, improvement from Bregman is essential. Crow-Armstrong’s current hitting streak provides some respite. “I just focus on day-to-day stuff, and that’s what has worked for me,” he stated, advising against fixating on prolonged streaks.
With limited expectations of trade reinforcements, Counsell must creatively manage the pitching rotation. President Jed Hoyer’s decision to hire Counsell was based on his adept problem-solving skills. If Counsell overcomes the current obstacles to secure a postseason berth, it will validate the choice to bring him to Chicago.